Since it is Mother’s Day today, I thought it would be fitting to write an article about the growing number of ‘marijuana moms’ in America. There were numerous articles last week stating that ‘Pot activists’ are ‘enlisting moms’ for legalization efforts. I personally don’t think that pot activists are necessarily enlisting moms for legalization efforts; I think that pot activists ARE MOMS that believe in legalization! Certainly not EVERY MOM is for legalization. However, I know my mother has long been an advocate of marijuana reform in America, and she is not alone.

I remember when the Marie Claire article hit describing professional women who smoked marijuana as ‘stiletto stoners.’ For some reason, the media was obsessed with this issue for a day or two after the article hit; Matt Lauer of the Today Show even did a story on it. But to American marijuana consumers of both genders, the Marie Claire article only stated what we already knew — women like to consume marijuana too. Women are wrongly arrested and harassed by law enforcement in the same fashion that men are, so it is only natural that they would want to affect the democratic process to make a positive change.

Mother’s are especially passionate when it comes to this issue, as they do not want their children to grow up in a nation that tells them they can take pain pills, smoke cigarettes, and consume alcohol, yet will have to do jail time for a plant that has extensive medicinal value. I do not have children, but I know if I did, I would much rather have tax dollars go toward schools, teachers, educational scholarships, etc. rather than have those same tax dollars be wasted on pointless marijuana investigations and prosecutions.

As the midterm election year heats up, ‘marijuana moms’ are at the forefront of political efforts across the country. The NORML Women’s Alliance has been fighting for the following positions:

1. The NORML Women’s Alliance believes that the fiscal priorities of marijuana prohibition are wasting billions of dollars on a failed policy.

2. The NORML Women’s Alliance believes that marijuana prohibition violates states’ rights, and improperly expands the reach of government into the families and personal lives of otherwise law-abiding citizens.

3. The NORML Women’s Alliance advocates for an open, honest conversation about marijuana with America’s youth that is void of all propaganda and misleading information.

4. The NORML Women’s Alliance endorses the science-based evidence regarding the therapeutic applications of medical marijuana as well as the continuation of research into the subject.

5. The NORML Women’s Alliance strongly opposes the sexual exploitation and objectification of women in pot-culture and business marketing.

Another great organization is Mom’s for Marijuana. Although there is no ‘official’ membership, the organization is still doing great work in facilitating a constructive conversation. Here is an excerpt from their website:

Moms for Marijuana is a grass roots network of parents and other citizens across the world who are concerned with the ignorant war that continues to be fought against the Cannabis plant, and how it is negatively affecting the future generations of this earth. We focus on strengthening awareness, promoting education and creating discussion regarding the plant species Cannabis.

Core beliefs include:

1. That our governments and corporations should research and utilize all the potential benefits of this plant; and make locally grown Cannabis products available to the public so that we may have the choice in using a natural and less harmful alternative to the products we currently purchase.

2. That, as with all drugs, Marijuana should NOT BE USED by developing minds under the age of legal consent without parental guidance, as well the recommendation and continuous evaluation by a licensed medical physician.

3. That our children should be educated on all aspects of Cannabis; from the thousands of medical, industrial, agricultural, environmental and economic benefits to the repercussions, risks and history associated with the Cannabis plant.

Whether you are a mom, a man, a woman, a college student, smell bad, jump high, can’t type, or WHATEVER, stay active and affect the political process! That’s what America is all about, and it’s the ONLY way that we will get legalization to become a reality! Happy Mother’s Day!!

This article is great. Very informative. I hope marijuana will be legalized as what you have perceived. Looking forward to plant it at home..

Bob Marley

In comparison with other illegal drugs Marijuana has little side effects that are considered harmful. So many question, why is Marijuana illegal? The answer is the government doesn’t know how to tax it and no leader has guts to promote it. Marijuana needs public support, so people start getting high.

Most excellent article. As a parent I would rather my kids get into weed than booze.

Leonard Krivitsky, MD, DD

I am delighted that the group such as “Moms for Marijuana”, which would have been unthinkable only a few years ago, actually exists and is active in promoting understanding and knowledge, in destroying old stereotypes resulting from decades of scare-tactics and disinformation. We all heard repeatedly that marijuana use is much safer than alcohol, that there has not been one single fatal outcome from its use in all the 10,000+ years of its use, and that there is no such thing as physical withdrawal syndrome resulting from marijuana use. But what I believe will prove crucial for the advancement of “Moms for Marijuana” courageous agenda is that marijuana use has been shown to suppress violence! And violence plays such a huge destructive role in young people on a daily basis! What I also consider very important from the medical point of view is that once we have shown that cannabis use suppresses violence, it is easy to take one more step and show that cannabis use will be a barrier to alcohol and hard drug use because those substances are “conducive” to violent behavior in sharp contrast to marijuana that suppresses it. As I always say, The most effective weapon against ignorance is Knowledge, and Moms for Marijuana seem to be armed with knowledge, which will make them intellectually victorious to any and all opposition.

Heidi X. Golden

Thank you!! I am the Idaho chapter leader of Moms for Marijuana. We work very hard and are extremely passionate about everything we do. Along with Idaho NORML and Compassionate Idaho we have drafted an initiative for medical marijuana titled, Idaho’s Medical Choice. We have gone through the process with the Secretary of State Office and are in the process of gathering 50,000 signatures needed to place this on the 2012 presidential ballot. If anyone in Idaho would like more information regarding this Petition, please email me at heidi@momsformarijuana.com

http://www.mariamedia.net Maria

Glad to see that Mom’s are getting behind the movement to legalize marijuana. Thanks for the links to Mom’s for Marijuana. Women Rock!

maggie

glad to see other moms speaking publicly about the use of marijuana. i have used this medicine for years for gastrointestional disease, pain, nausea control, anxiety. because of the herb i am able to stay away from most pharmaceuticals and all their crazy side effects.

Donna

Well it’s been a while sense someone posted on here but I read the article and was inspired to say something. I’m 35 years old. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 14 years. We have 5 awesome kids to which i say home and take care of. I cook breakfast lunch and dinner( I don’t mean chips and frozen pizza….real food…healthy food). I am the caregiver to my parents who BOTH have cancer. I smoke pot everyday. Pot makes me a better mom, wife, daughter, aunt, friend…whatever. If I didn’t smoke I would be tucked away in a corner crying my eyes out everyday. I don’t think people realize the stress and hard work that comes with taking care of 5 kids, a husband and 2 very very sick parents going through chemo. Pot has saved my sanity. I know what your thinking…there are many antidepressants out there. Well tried 4 different kinds. The side effects were insane. There were some I took were I couldn’t even drive a car. I’m thinking…what if my kid needs a hospital or my parents need me. Marijuana is a gift from God. It has saved me in so may ways. I thank God everyday for it.

frank

be-well @ safe-mail.net is #1 for online moms. They are a trusted caregiver. I use them always and they always excel.